NFL and NFLPA, It's Time for You to Decide and Commit

Well after 86 days into this NFL lockout, I’m really pissed off. Now don’t get me wrong first I was confused, and then mad, and then angry, now I’m just plain pissed!

With any business no matter how big or small, we all know that decisions are based on the almighty dollar, and trust me if you don’t have any (money that is), you can’t do business. So I believe when this ‘lockout business’ began many fans, including myself, were in a wait and see mode, saying to ourselves ‘this too shall pass’. Well after 86 days of the on again, off again lockout scenario, many fans are starting to doubt and lose faith in their favorite sport.

Don’t get me wrong it’s not just the fans feeling this way, it’s also the companies and corporations that have already put millions of sponsorship and advertising dollars in what many call the best marketing tool in US sports. I’m not sure how that tool is working for them today but what I do know is with the country trying to get back on a solid foundation this is not the time to add to the lay-offs and business closing that this continued foolishness can bring. Now many say it’s not that serious, but it is. Just think of the stadium vendors or the small mom & pop restaurants that sit around some of these venues who depend on that revenue. Even on a larger scale let’s look at the hotels or service companies that are providing business to teams and fans that employ at least a couple of hundred people if not thousands.

I read an article the other day written by an insider who was discussing the effect that the lockout could having on companies like P&G. As you know P&G has hundred of brands that if this lockout is not lifted, will lose millions, if not billions, of dollars. If that happens how does a team put their tail between their legs and ask that sponsor for of another $5 million when things resume to normal. Who does that?

Not to mention what’s going on with the most watched sporting event in the world, the Super Bowl. For example as of mid-March, NBC had sold nearly half of its Super Bowl ad inventory to repeat clients (companies) who are not willing to let this advertising opportunity pass. So if you are not following me, there are hundreds of millions of dollars that have already traded hands that NBC has now put into its P&L ledger that trust me they don’t want to have to return.

Then the story that really took me out came across the wire this morning, entitled NFL Plans for Season As Short As Eight Games. Now I know that back in 1982 the league only played nine games because of the strike, but we have to understand that the game and the business of the game has transitioned into so much more from that time. Here we are 29 years later, dealing with the same thing.

Like I said in the title, it’s time for the NFL and NFPLA to decide and commit. I know what both side are fighting for, but just like in any relationship, someone has to be the bigger person and compromise. All is fair in love & war, but are you willing to put it all on the line to only return home and there’s no one waiting to welcome you back.